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Science News for November 10, 2004


Adolescent gamblers often suffer psychiatric problems

A recent study reveals that adolescent gamblers are at risk of experiencing psychiatric problems, including substance use issues and depression. The research found that these issues are comparable to those faced by adult problem gamblers, highlighting the need for further examination of the impact of gambling on younger age groups.

SourceYale University·JournalArchives of General Psychiatry·DateNov 10, 2004

New study finds significant improvements in pelvic pain, depression after hysterectomy

A new study by Dr. Katherine Hartmann found that women experience significant improvements in self-reported pelvic pain and depression two years after hysterectomy. The study involved nearly 1,300 women who reported a reduction in symptoms, with the group experiencing both conditions showing the most improvement.

SourceUniversity of North Carolina Health Care·JournalObstetrics and Gynecology·DateNov 10, 2004

MicroRNA study points to novel path for treating diabetes

A team of researchers has discovered that microRNA miR-375 regulates insulin secretion, opening up new avenues for understanding and treating diabetes. The study's findings define a biological function for a mammalian microRNA gene and highlight the importance of collaboration between computation and experiment in modern biology.

SourceNew York University·JournalNature·DateNov 10, 2004

News tips for Wednesday, November 10, 2004

Researchers found that masked hypertension, a blood pressure condition where patients have lower office readings but higher 24-hour averages, poses an independent risk for target organ damage. Emotion-cognitive variables play a significant role in how patients appraise the seriousness of their heart attack symptoms.

Drug may hinder recovery from heart attacks

Researchers at the University of Alberta have discovered that certain non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, such as celecoxib, can inhibit bicarbonate transporters, compromising the body's ability to balance pH in cells. This can negatively impact recovery from heart attacks.

SourceUniversity of Alberta·JournalMolecular Membrane Biology·DateNov 10, 2004

Reassuring findings from first study on sperm donor identification

A study of 29 adolescents who had been conceived through 'open-identity' sperm donors found that all but one young person had a neutral or positive response to their origins. The majority expressed curiosity about their donor and sought a connection, not a paternal relationship. This finding contradicts stereotypes and suggests that op...

Senior citizens at risk for pneumonia

A three-year study of over 46,000 seniors in Washington state found that peak CAP rates coincide with flu season and are more common among men. Quitting smoking and getting influenza vaccinations can reduce the risk of pneumonia, while other factors like heart problems and dementia increase vulnerability.

SourceInfectious Diseases Society of America·JournalClinical Infectious Diseases·DateNov 10, 2004

Monitoring life, one breath at a time

Researchers have developed a transistor that fuses carbon nanotubes with polymers to create a capnography sensor detecting subtle changes in CO2 concentrations. This technology may provide a new tool for emergency responders to monitor patients' respiratory patterns and verify breathing tube placement.

SourceU.S. National Science Foundation·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateNov 10, 2004

The blotchier the face, the better the wasp

Researchers found that wasps with broken-up facial patterns signal their quality and status. Those who don't signal honestly receive social sanctions, including harassment from dominant wasps. The study provides conclusive evidence that dishonest visual signals have a social cost in the wasp world.

SourceUniversity of Arizona·JournalNature·DateNov 10, 2004

Gene exchange between species is aided by parasitism

Indiana University researchers found that genes can move from plant parasites to host plants, establishing parasitism as a medium for horizontal gene transfer. The discovery complements previous findings showing the opposite process, and suggests that plant parasitism has been a key mechanism of gene exchange between species.

SourceIndiana University·JournalNature·DateNov 10, 2004

Not the end, but beginning of the world as we know it

Researchers found that oxygen in the atmosphere appeared at least 100 million years before its supposed debut with the carbon cycle perturbation. The discovery suggests a complex process involving mantle plume volcanoes and cyanobacteria, leading to an increase in oxygen levels over millions of years.